REBEL IN THE SOUL Set for Irish Rep Reading Series 10/21

The Irish Repertory Theatre resumes its sixth season of the Irish Rep Reading Series, with a free reading of Larry Kirwan's REBEL IN THE SOUL on Friday, October 21 at 3 p.m. at the Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) in Manhattan. Charlotte Moore, who helms the company current revival of Brian Friel's DANCING AT LUGHNASA, directs.

The cast of REBEL IN THE SOUL includes Reed Birney (DREAMS OF FLYING DREAMS OF FALLING, A SMALL FIRE) and Rob Campbell (TITUS ANDRONICUS, "Rabbit Hole").

REBEL IN THE SOUL deals with the confrontation in 1951 between Dr. Noel Browne, Minister for Health in the Irish Government, and Dr. John Charles McQuaid, Archbishop of Dublin over Browne's Mother and Child Health Scheme. Browne's family had been ravaged by tuberculosis and the 35 year-old Minister had already set in motion policies that would eventually eradicate the disease from Ireland. He next planned to give free pre-natal and health care to Irish women and their children. Young, arrogant and passionate, he arrives at the Episcopal Palace for his final meeting with the Archbishop. Both men and the destiny of Ireland will be changed by the events of the evening.

Playwright Larry Kirwan has written two novels, "Liverpool Fantasy" and "Rockin' The Bronx"; a memoir "Green Suede Shoes"; and "Mad Angels," a collection of plays. He has recorded thirteen CDs for Black 47 along with two solo efforts. The band has performed almost 2500 gigs in the US, Europe and South America and appeared on all the major TV shows including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." He hosts and produces "Celtic Crush" for SiriusXM Satellite Radio and writes a weekly column for the Irish Echo. Effort quickly blossomed into a full-length play, which took him five years to complete.

Charlotte Moore directs the Irish Repertory Theatre Company's current revival of Brian Friel's DANCING AT LUGHNASA. Recent credits also include Brian Friel's MOLLY SWEENEY, A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES, THE IRISH...AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY, ERNEST IN LOVE, WHITE WOMAN STREET, and CAMELOT IN CONCERT at Broadway's Shubert Theatre.

Literary Manager Kara Manning hopes that the Reading Series will "give playwrights, both emerging and more established, the invaluable opportunity to develop their new work in a supportive, safe environment and will also introduce some Irish playwrights, especially those who might not yet have the New York recognition they merit, to an American audience." The Irish Repertory Theatre's 2007 production of Stuart Carolan's DEFENDER OF THE FAITH and 2010 world premiere of Kelly Younger's BANISHED CHILDREN OF EVE were alumni of the Reading Series.

As part of its mission, The Irish Repertory Theatre "encourages the development of works focusing on the Irish and Irish-American experience, as well as a range of other cultures."

Founded by Ciarán O'Reilly and Charlotte Moore, The Irish Repertory Theatre opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's THE PLOUGH AND THE STARS and is celebrating its 23rd Season. The Irish Rep is currently the only year-round theatre company in New York Citydevoted to bringing Irish and Irish American works to the stage. Recognized with the Jujamcyn Theatres Award, a special Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama,"and the Lucille Lortel Award for "Outstanding Body of Work," The Irish Rep hascelebrated the very best in Irish theatre for over twenty years, from the masters to the new generation of Irish and Irish American writers who are transforming the stage. Nearly 38,000 audience members annually attend productions at our theatre located in the heart of NewYork's Off-Broadway community. Once here, they witness The Irish Rep's engaging perspective on the Irish and their unique contributions to the world of drama.

Currently at the Irish Repertory Theatre is the 20th anniversary production of Brian Friel's Tony Award-winning play DANCING AT LUGHNASA, directed by Charlotte Moore, with performances set for October 20-December 11.

The 2011 Reading Series is underwritten in part by Alexis Doyle and the members of our Patron's Circle.

The reading of Larry Kirwan's REBEL IN THE SOUL on Friday, October 21 at 3 p.m. is FREE and open to the public at The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street). Seating is limited. RSVP by calling The Irish Repertory Theatre Box Office at (212) 727-2737. For moreinformation visit www.irishrep.org.